Goat Mountain - Lookout Road

• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – Horseback Riding

A great way to access the top of Goat Mountain and the Goat Mountain Fire Tower.

Directions: From Oakhurst, follow the road to North Fork 42 and pass Road 222 to Bass Lake and continue straight. Pass the fire station and Hidden Meadows Road, and you’ll find a fire road on your left. There is a green gate where the trail begins.

Overview: This is a long steady fire road climb with a rewarding vista at the top. At the first intersection, you can decide to go left and reach the top of Goat Mountain, which is a very steep trail, or go down on the Goat Mountain single-track “Ninja.” If you do that, you’ll need a ride to get your car from the other side of the mountain.

To reach the Lookout point, turn right at this intersection. Follow the fire road to the lookout tower and be mentally prepared for a steep climb. As you ride up you will pass a few small pretty meadows before reaching the lookout tower.

Reaching the top is a good challenge that will be rewarded with amazing views. Enjoy the views and get ready for a fast fire road decent back to your car. Keep in mind that this trail connects with Goat Mountain Trail and Spring Cove Trail so you can make an alternate route on those trails. In the spring there can be annoying gnats. It’s a great idea to buy a mosquito net from Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure to wear on your head.

Goat Mountain Trail Map and Location Bass Lake CA

Goat Mountain – Ninja

• Distance: 2.6 miles – This is just the distance of the Ninja Trail.
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – Horseback Riding

Goat Mountain Trail is part of a 7-mile loop located at beautiful Bass Lake. The ride offers scenic views of Shuteye Peak at the top and is a good challenge for all skill levels. The trailhead is at the top/back of the Forks Campground, adjacent to the Forks Resort. The trail can be climbed (quite challenging) or ridden as a loop, which takes riders up to the Goat Mountain saddle. From the saddle, riders can go left and descend the trial or continue right and venture all the way to the Goat Mountain Fire Lookout tower. There you will enjoy a 360-degree Sierra view from the top.

The Goat Mountain Trail’s upper section has a couple of fun, rocky, technical sections. Eventually, it takes riders to a junction where you can go right down Spring Cove Trail or left down the “Ninja” section of Goat Mountain. Spring Cove is a fun, fast descent with a few rocky switchbacks. The “Ninja” singletrack is a fast and “flowy” ribbon of singletrack hugging the side of Goat Mountain. Although this is a “blue” trail, be aware of a few tricky rocky sections. Take caution if it’s your first time riding this trail in those sections. Additionally, there is a steep fall line on the right of the singletrack, and the trail’s edge can be soft in mid to late summer.

Goat Mountain – Spring Cove

• Distance: 2 miles – This is only the distance of the Spring Cove Trail.
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – Horseback Riding

Spring Cove Trail intersects with Goat Mountain Trail at the only junction on the single track. It can be descended as an alternative to the “Ninja” section of Goat Mountain. If you descend this way, you can pedal back along the road next to the lake to the Forks Resort parking lot. Otherwise, you can do an arduous climb back up Spring Cove to the junction. However, if you decide to do the climb, you’ll be rewarded by the “flowy” lower “Ninja” section of Goat Mountain.

If you are descending Spring Cove Trail, be aware that there are a handful of spots on the lower half where the trail crosses a fire road. The trail always starts back on your left side, so pay close attention to the tracks of those who have ridden before you.

You can create a longer ride by adding the 007 trail to Spring Cove by riding along the lake past Miller’s Landing and crossing the dam.

007 First

• Distance: 2 miles – This only the distance of the 007 First section.
• Difficulty: Blue – Several sections of the trail can be consider black – Use caution
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – Horseback Riding (Not Recommended)

007 Second

• Distance: 1 mile – This only includes 007 Second section
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking

007 (Second) This trail has three trailheads. The first trail connects with the Octopussy trail with a “flowy” connection to the rock gardens. The second trail starts at the proline, and the third trail that continues after the 007 third section is a long and chunky rock garden. It’s not too steep, so carrying speed is a must through the rocks. This will challenge intermediate riders but is a total blast for experienced riders. The trail splits towards the end. Taking a right at the fork will take you back to the fire road by the lookup point of the lake. Taking a left, the trail will bring you to a technical trail that connects with 007 First. Note you have to cross the fire road, so be aware of traffic coming up the road before you cross. There are no drops or jumps; however, it is very rocky.

007 Third

• Distance: 1 mile
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking

007 (Third) has a bit of climbing at the beginning with some great flowing singletrack in the middle with berms and switchbacks. The end of this trail has a very steep and technical rock garden called the waterfall.

Octopussy

• Distance: 0.5
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking

An alternative to the 3rd section of 007, this route is more direct down to Central Camp Road. It offers approximately 150′ more elevation drop. Octopussy starts out with a wide-open, fast descent. Then the fun begins when the trail becomes more challenging, with some tight turns leading to a rock garden filled with large boulders and rock ledges. There are multiple lines to choose from, with some being more challenging than others. First-timers should stop here and carefully consider their line of choice. From this point, the trail becomes fast and flowy with some high-speed sections and jumps, natural berms, and rocky sections that quickly sneak up on you as you descend to Central Camp Road. From there, you can head back up to the top of 007 3rd for another lap, take the proline, or continue straight across the road on the cutoff trail that links up with 007 Second 2nd below the rock garden.

Pro-line

• Distance: 0.2 miles
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking

Pro-line is a short connector to avoid part of the rock garden with baby heads; this section starts with a steep drop with a left turn that continues to the 007 2nd section. Note that loose gravel should be expected on dry days at the top.

007 Fourth

• Distance: 0.62 Miles
• Difficulty: Black Diamond

007 (Fourth) is a mix of climbing and descending, including one elevator shaft pitch up and a granite creek crossing. The trail ends with a fun flowing descent with some pump-track-style bumps and crosses Francis Junction to the top of 007 (Third).

007 Fifth

• Distance: 2 Miles
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking

007 (fifth) is a mix of granite slab riding, steep rock gardens, and fast, flowy, single-track with a lot of steep climbing sections

007 Sixth

• Distance: 0.46 Miles
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking

007 (Sixth) is Service Road 6S42E which connects 7 Mile Junction (Shuteye OHV Road) with the top of the 5th section of 007

Graham Dome

• Distance: 1.3 Miles
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Graham Dome can be added to the three sections of the 007 ride. The granite dome overlooks Bass Lake below. The fire road cuts through picturesque meadows and creeks. If you climb up to the top of the dome, it is an excellent spot for a picnic or a rest afterward.

Blind Squirrel

• Distance: 2.85 Miles
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Blind Squirrel is a hidden gem of the Sierras. It has unique features similar to what you might find in Sedona or Utah as you ride on a vast white granite dome with spectacular views. This trail can be challenging to find, so give yourself plenty of extra time or ride with someone familiar with the trail.

The ride begins with a climb from Central Camp road and then connects with fire road 7S02. 7S02 will take you to a fork where you will turn right 0nto an open fire road with a view of Shuteye Peak on your back. From there, there are two trailheads. One trailhead is located down the road to the right of the information sign. This way includes an intense climb. The other trailhead is located before the information sign. Look for the cairns on the right of the trail, which will take you between enormous boulders leading to the top of the main trail. From there, follow the cairns. As previously stated, we recommend riding with somebody who knows the trail because it has several unique features you will miss.

The trail continues into the Lost Forest Trail that leads to a fire road, take a right, and you will end up on a crazy 45-degree climb. Here you’ll need to walk your bike unless you’re a beast. From there, you will ride on a granite slab with amazing views and a steep rock slab downhill connecting to Brown Creek Trail.

Enjoy the incredible 360 degrees views and a fun place to explore but follow the trail map to avoid getting lost. You won’t ever forget your Blind Squirrel experience.

Skyfall Trail
Section

Skyfall

• Distance: 1.18 Miles
• Difficulty: Double Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Skyfall begins just before your reach Shuteye Peak. At 7,544 ft. Shuteye Peak is the highest elevation in the area, and you access this trail from the 4×4 road 6S59 all the way to the top. Climbing this road will take you to the peak with 360 views. If you hike or ride, the fire watch guy will have you sign the “guest book” and share water with you. From there, you must be ready to traverse down from 7,544 ft. on the loose rock/dirt, technical sections, and a rock slab until you hit the dirt under the trees, where the trail becomes flowy and fun.

LumberJack and LoJack Trail

LumberJack and LoJack

• Distance: 3 Miles
• Difficulty: Black
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Lumberjack is a “flowy” high-elevation trail with excellent dirt and shady trees, offering a North Shore trail feel without the wood features. Begin at Beasore road, where you will descend from 7,000′ to 5,500′. At the end of LoJack, both trails are connected by fire road 6S08 Grays mountain. Carefully follow a map if it is your first time, or better yet, go with somebody who knows the trail because the locals hide it to prevent dirt bikers from riding and damaging it.

Mary Jane

• Distance: 2 Miles
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

The trail is named Mary Jane because when it was being built, the trail builders stumbled upon a marijuana grow. Legend has it that the “farmer” rerouted this trail to avoid his garden, and now it has become one of the most iconic trails in this area. The trail begins after “moonrock” or from fire road 6S88. This single track is a rock face and rock slab with excellent features such as drops, bowls, and rolls with amazing views of Bass Lake. This trail goes from a steep rock slab into the forest, turning flowy and loose depending on what time of the year you are riding. The trails end by the Willow creek fire road 7582. From there, you have two choices: take the fire road back to Bass Lake or go down and cross the creek and start the technical climb to Willow Creek Trail. Willow Creek trail is an incredible double black diamond trail which you can read about below.

Note: A seasonal bridge (log) is usually in place to cross the creek; otherwise, you must get wet crossing the stream. Call us to find out if the seasonal bridge is in place.

Section

Willow Creek

• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Willow Creek is a double black diamond downhill trail for full-suspension bikes only with at least 130 mm of travel. It follows Willow Creek down from the high country above Bass Lake, California. This trail is one long adrenalin rush from top to bottom, and you must stay very focused on the terrain ahead of you. This trail is only recommended for advanced riders, as you will encounter a wide variety of technical spots that require a high degree of skill. If it is your first time riding this trail, take it easy and watch for the technical areas and the hikers. Willow Creek trail offers a mix of flow, technical, and rock features, including a steep rock slab at the end. Enjoy the ride, and afterward, you can experience some of the best swimming holes in the Bass Lake area and take in the beautiful waterfalls and views.

Hensley Lake Trail

Hensley Lake (Buck Ridge Loop)

• Distance: 5 Miles
• Difficulty: Green with some Blue and Black Diamond Features
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – Horseback Riding

Hensley Lake is a beautiful singletrack cross-country style ride with undulating hills, some of which are pretty challenging. Although the trail is considered “green,” many sections have technical descents and climbs on natural rock features. Local riders have built excellent features such as berms, drops, gap jumps, and step-up jumps. The good news for newer riders is almost all of these challenging features have an optional easier line choice. The combination of manmade and natural elements makes Hensley Lake the perfect trail for newer riders to develop their singletrack riding skills. Although the park does not sanction the manmade features, they have made the riding more exciting for advanced riders. Hensley is best to rid in the fall, winter, and spring, as it swelters in the summer. Because the trial can be somewhat sandy, riding the day after it rains is excellent. We recommend staying on the trail that meanders next to the lake to enjoy all the fun features and avoid a few annoying climbs. For some insider tips, watch our Featured Features videos on our YouTube channel to learn the best line choices.

Graveyard of the Giants

• Distance: 4 Miles
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

The Graveyard of The Giants is one of the few trails in California where you can ride right among giant sequoias. To reach the trailhead, ride up Jackson Road, adjacent to Tenaya Lodge. Next, head south on service road 5S18, a moderate climb for a mile; you will find the trailhead on the left side of the service road. From there, you must climb a section called “The Everest.” The Everest is only 350 ft. of climbing; however, the conditions are pretty challenging. Once you pass this section, you will start riding in sequoia territory. Enjoy the ride down to Nelder Grove and then go for a ride to the chimney tree and bull buck tree.

Note: Conditions of the trail are very loose due to the last fire in the area; take precautions while riding.

Chimney Tree & Bull Buck

• Distance: 1.5 Miles
• Difficulty: Blue & Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Chimney Tree is considered a blue trail, and Bull Buck is green. However, there are some features that you have to be aware of, such as a few big steps on the way back from the chimney tree. After that, the trail is “flowy” and pleasant. This is a beautiful ride to enjoy with the family and an excellent addition after riding the Graveyard of the Giants. The Chimney trail connects with the Bull Buck trail, which takes you to one of the most enormous sequoias in the area. Take your time and enjoy these majestic trees.

Lewis Creek South

• Distance: 1 mile
• Difficulty: Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

This trail is considered a double black diamond. It is steep with steps and is downhill all the way to the waterfalls. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and rest next to the creek. This trail ends in the Cedar Valley area; if you are hiking, it is good to hike from the Cedar Valley trailhead. Bikers are recommended to shuttle because it is not a good climb back to the trailhead.

Lewis Creek

• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Blue
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

This trail is considered a double black diamond. It is steep with steps and is downhill all the way to the waterfalls. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and rest next to the creek. This trail ends in the Cedar Valley area; if you are hiking, it is good to hike from the Cedar Valley trailhead. Bikers are recommended to shuttle because it is not a good climb back to the trailhead.

Devils Peak – Signal Peak Lookout Tower

• Distance: 24.4 miles
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

There is much to explore in this area, with dirt roads connecting Fish Camp to Mariposa and Yosemite National Park (Wawona). Overall, this out-and-back trail starts with a steady climb from Fish Camp, then the road goes downhill two miles, and then continues a long climb to the top.

You have to take just a few turns to get to the top along County Road 17 (Summit Road), Tenmile Grade (4S04), and Devil’s Peak Summit Road #4S31. You will be fine by following the maps and the trees marked with white arrows.

This ride is an excellent workout with a rewarding view and an incredible downhill ride on the defunct moto trails Chowchilla Trail (21E340) and Mountain Trail (21E248). On the way back, reserve some energy for the two miles uphill to Fish Camp. Grab a hamburger and a beer at Tenaya Lodge, just across the street.

Biledo Meadow

• Distance: 6 miles
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – Horseback Riding

Biledo Meadow is challenging to find. You will find some cabins and some old mining equipment. It is a high-elevation area with flowers and incredible views. You can begin from Mount Raymond Rd and park in Goat Meadow or anywhere from there, depending on how many miles would like to ride or hike. We recommend parking anywhere before Long meadow because the last mile after Long meadow is tricky to drive in a vehicle.

Raymond Mountain / Star lakes

• Distance: 10 miles
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running – ATV

Check out this trail if you’re ready for a long ride with long climbs? Parking at goat Meadow is a solid 20 miles going up and down. Like Biledo Meadow, you can park closer according to how many miles you want to ride/hike. You will ride/hike or drive the Big Creek Rd 055048 all the way to the OHV road 22E203 Star Lakes. Once on this trail, take the trail on your left for Star Lakes, and you are only 3 miles to the top of Raymond mountain. The elevation is 8,600′ and has 360-degree views of Yosemite, Half Dome from outside Yosemite National Park.

Exchequer Mountain Bike Park

• Difficulty: Green, Blue, Black Diamond, Double Black Diamond
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking
• Events: Join the annual Exchequer Extravaganza MTB Race March 22-24, 2024!

Exchequer is only one and a half hours from Oakhurst, and it is a wonderful, well-maintained, and organized Bike park with more than 11 trails for all skill levels. Click HERE to visit their website.

San Joaquin River Trail, Well barn, Leap Loop

• Distance: 21 Miles One Way
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

The San Joaquin River Trail, also called the SJRT, is a long-distance hiking trail from Millerton Lake to Devil’s Postpile. The trail meanders along the San Joaquin River.
It is famous for the “Big Sandy Race.” The trail takes a lot of stamina due to a total climb of 4,143 ft. The trail connects to Leap Loop, which you access by crossing a bridge that adds another 6.5 miles for 21 miles one way. Another option is to ride this trail from Wellborn, which will cut the distance in half and add local singletrack trails like BobCat.

Yosemite Valley

• Distance: Over 12 Miles
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

Over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in Yosemite Valley (the speed limit is 15 mph). Also, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if they obey traffic laws). Helmets are required by law for children under 18 years of age. E-bikes with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and electric motors less than 750 watts (1 horsepower) are allowed everywhere bicycles are permitted.

Off-trail riding, mountain biking, and motorized scooters on bike paths are not permitted in Yosemite National Park.

Tesoro Viejo Trails

• Distance: Over 14 Miles
• Difficulty: Green
• Trail Usage: Mountain Biking – Hiking – Trail Running

More than 14 miles of trails suitable for walking, jogging, and biking lead you through the natural landscape of Tesoro Viejo. This is a beautiful trail network ideal for families and developing riders. In the summer, the community hosts a wonderful farmers market every other Sunday. You can also grab a bit to eat at Axes Coffee Bar & Eatery located at “The Hub.” Trails are open from dawn to dusk, and dogs are welcome.

Click HERE to view a trail brochure.